Seismic imaging of subduction zone deformational structures using 3D seismic profiling

In the past 15–20 years, considerable efforts have been made to image complex deformational structures beneath the seafloor at subduction zones using seismic imaging techniques. The goals have been to: 1) accurately image structures to determine the geometry of thrust faults controlling the deformation and tectonics of plate collision at subduction zones, and 2) to determine the rock physical properties from seismic reflections to infer fault zone mechanical properties and examine conditions leading to fault rupture and earthquake generation. Subduction zones generate the world’s largest and most destructive earthquakes and tsunamis and accurate seismic images of faults to depths of 6–7 km below seafloor offer an opportunity to examine conditions at these inaccessible depths. Three‐dimensional seismic techniques have proven to be critical for sampling the reflected wavefield at the sea surface sufficiently to be able to migrate reflections to their proper subsurface positions and construct accurate images...